Pau Cubarsi: FC Barcelona’s Rising Defensive Star
Pau Cubarsí Paredes has quickly emerged as one of the brightest young talents in European football. Born in 2007 in Estanyol, Catalonia, the Spanish defender has established himself as a key figure for FC Barcelona and is already making waves on the international stage with Spain.
Pau Cubarsi Personal Life
Pau Cubarsí was born on January 22, 2007, in Estanyol, a village in the municipality of Bescanó, Girona. He is the son of Gloria Paredes and Robert Cubarsí and has an older sister, Irene, who works as a physiotherapist. Raised in a Catalan-speaking household, Pau grew up deeply rooted in his local culture and community. Despite his rapid rise, he has remained close to his family and has spoken about the challenges of adapting to the spotlight, especially given his preference for Catalan over Spanish in interviews.
Professional Career
Cubarsí began his football journey at Girona FC before joining FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy in 2018 as an under-12 player. His progression through the youth ranks was swift, and he became the third-youngest player to debut for Barcelona in the UEFA Youth League.
He trained with the first team for the first time in April 2023 and signed his first professional contract in July 2023. Cubarsí made his competitive first-team debut in the Copa del Rey in January 2024, providing an assist, and just days later debuted in La Liga against Real Betis. He also made his UEFA Champions League debut in March 2024, earning the MVP award against Napoli.
The 2024/25 season marked his full integration into the senior squad under coach Hansi Flick, becoming a regular starter and playing a crucial role in Barcelona’s defense. He helped the club secure the La Liga title, Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup, even scoring his first goal for the club in a Copa del Rey tie against Atlético Madrid. In February 2025, Barcelona extended his contract until 2029, with a €500 million release clause, reflecting his immense value to the club.
On the international stage, Cubarsí has represented Spain from under-15 to senior level. He became the youngest defender to play for Spain’s senior team in March 2024 and won a gold medal with Spain’s under-23 squad at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Net Worth
As of mid-2025, Pau Cubarsí’s estimated market value is around €80 million. While his exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, his long-term contract with FC Barcelona, lucrative salary, and growing endorsement opportunities suggest a rapidly rising financial profile. His new contract, which runs through 2029, includes one of the highest release clauses in football, underscoring his status as one of the sport’s most promising young defenders.
Pau Cubarsi Summary
Pau Cubarsí’s meteoric rise from Girona’s youth fields to the heart of Barcelona’s defense highlights his exceptional talent, maturity, and leadership. At just 18, he has already achieved domestic and international success, earning recognition as one of the most promising defenders of his generation. With his technical ability, composure, and tactical intelligence, Cubarsí is poised to be a cornerstone for both FC Barcelona and Spain for years to come.
